Endorsement
Endorsement Overview
At AIMHiTN, we advocate for the well-being of infants and young children, emphasizing the importance of community-centered, relationship-focused practices. Our commitment to fostering strong foundations, nurturing secure relationships, and shaping promising futures for children from birth to age six reflects our core belief that these elements are essential for lifelong well-being and success.
By earning an Endorsement, professionals expand their knowledge and skills, becoming key partners in our mission to strengthen early relational health, foster meaningful connections, and promote long-term positive outcomes for young children. Their expertise magnifies our collective impact, bringing us closer to ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive.
The Infant Mental Health Endorsement® (IMH-E®) and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement® (ECMH-E®) are rooted in a set of competencies designed to support and enhance community-centered, relationship-focused practices within the framework of infant and early childhood mental health. Endorsement applicants demonstrate proficiency in these competencies through education, work experience, specialized training, and reflective supervision.
Working with infants and young children requires specialized training, and Endorsement ensures that professionals meet established standards of expertise in supporting young children and their families. IMH-E® applies to professionals working with children ages 0–3 and their families, while ECMH-E® applies to those working with children ages 3–6 and their families. Both endorsements are relevant for professionals across disciplines, including education, child welfare, early care, home visitation, healthcare, mental health, policy, prevention, and early intervention.
We are committed to addressing the critical shortage of well-trained professionals equipped to promote early relational health and developmental well-being, as emphasized in Neurons to Neighborhoods (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000) and Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth through Age 8: A Unifying Foundation (2015).
Our Goal
We aim to enhance outcomes for children from birth to age six and their families by elevating professional standards in infant and early childhood mental health services.
See our FAQs for details on the Endorsement process.
View our Endorsement Support Videos for helpful tips on completing each section of the application.
Considering Endorsement?
These are just a few benefits to our AIMHiTN Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement® program that can distinguish you in the field of infant and early childhood mental health:
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Competency & Professionalism
Endorsements validate your skills and knowledge in a particular field. They indicate that you have met a certain standard of competence, which can lend credibility and demonstrate professionalism.
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Career Advancement
Endorsements can lead to career advancement opportunities. They can make you more appealing to employers, potentially leading to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, or promotions.
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Continuous Learning
The process of earning an endorsement often involves ongoing learning and professional development. This can help you stay current with the latest research, strategies, and best practices in your field.
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Networking Opportunities
Pursuing an endorsement can also provide networking opportunities. Professionals can connect with others in their field who are also pursuing endorsements, leading to potential collaborations or sharing of knowledge and experiences.
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Improved Outcomes for Children
Ultimately, the knowledge and skills gained through earning an endorsement can lead to improved outcomes for children. Professionals who are knowledgeable and competent in their field are better equipped to provide high-quality care and education.
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Increased Confidence
Earning an endorsement can also increase confidence in your abilities. This boost in confidence can improve job performance and satisfaction. While also giving you the tools needed to offer your best work.
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Recognition of Specialized Skills
In early childhood careers, endorsements can highlight your specialized skills, knowledge, and expertise in working with infants, children, their families, or the broader community. These skills can be applied to either the micro or macro setting.
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Broadened Impact & Reach
Endorsements in early childhood mental health can significantly amplify your positive impact. This enhanced understanding and refined skills, combined with a reputable endorsement, can enable you to better serve not only children in need but also the community at large, potentially influencing policy and practice on a broader scale.
Endorsement Pathways
Endorsement is available across four practice specialties spanning the continuum of care. Individuals apply for the Endorsement pathway that best matches their scope of practice.
Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement®:
Infant / Early Childhood Family Associate: Promotion
Infant / Early Childhood Family Specialist: Prevention / Early Intervention
Infant / Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist: Clinical Intervention / Treatment
Infant / Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor: Leadership / Macro
Endorsed Reflective Supervisor Add-On: Can be added to the Family Specialist or Mental Health Specialist Endorsements
